CITY OF GOLDENDALE GOLDENDALE, WASHINGTON REGULAR MEETING MARCH 20, 2006 The Regular meeting of the Goldendale City Council was called to order by Mayor Mark Sigfrinius on Monday, March 20, 2006 at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers. ROLL CALL: MAYOR Mark Sigfrinius COUNCILMEMBERS PRESENT: Mike Montanye Mable Eaton Marty Dixon Gary Hoctor Steve Johnston Tom Cuff Joe Abbott STAFF PRESENT: Larry Bellamy, City Administrator Tracy Hansen, Clerk-Treasurer Patricia Shamek, Administrative Assistant Rick McComas, Acting Police Chief PUBLIC HEARINGS: Tuttle Annexation Mr. Bellamy introduce the Tuttle Annexation to council by noting the applicants wish to annex 56.84 acres in two parcels. The vacant property is located off South Roosevelt and is within our urban growth boundary with a Suburban Residential (SR) zoning. He noted all public hearing notices, mailings and postings had been properly made. The property will be taxed and assessed at the same rate and basis as other property within the City, including assessments, taxes on payment of any bonds issued or debts contracted prior to or existing at date of annexation. Also, it will be subject to current and future comprehensive plans & zoning codes. The public was invited to speak by Mayor Sigfrinius. Ray Mosbrucker, 2110 N. Columbus, owns property across the street and does not oppose the annexation, but inquired about the plans for water and sewer infrastructure. It was suggested this would be handled under the sub-division plan. Ed Hoyle, 551 Easy Street, expressed a concern about the construction of South Roosevelt Street and the fact it is not part of the annexation. He believes the roadway is not constructed to stand the traffic for 100+ new homes. He also stated a concern about utility plans. Mr. Bellamy said the concern is rather can the City handle the capacity of this many homes on its water and sewer systems. He believes it can. There is no collection system to this property, but the water system is there. These questions would more appropriately be handled in the sub-division request. The road will need to brought up to City standards if included. Mr. Hoyle said if the developer is not allowed to have septic tanks and is required to put in sewer then the number of homes will probably go up. However, he is not sure what their plans are. There being no further comments the Mayor closed the public hearing at 7:12 PM. Councilmember Johnston believes the developer is not prepared to build100-300 homes at any one time or that the area will support this many homes. Mr. Bellamy reminded council the first reading of the annexation ordinance is scheduled for later in the meeting. CONSENT AGENDA: MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MONTANYE, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER HOCTOR TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA CONSISTING OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 6, 2006, CLAIMS WARRANTS #23410-23460 IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,256.25 AND PAYROLL WARRANTS #24671-24718 IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,554.02 FOR PAYROLL FEBRUARY 16, 2006-FEBRUARY 28, 2006. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. PRESENTATION After School Program Lanae Johnson, coordinator of the After School Program, and Kim Michael, Activity Director, gave an overview of the new program. They detailed their schedule, awards system, tutoring plan, and activities. The program is growing, but averages about 35 youth each Wednesday. They thanked the council for their support and requested future support come budget time. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Police Department Acting Police Chief Rick McComas, reported the After School Program is funded by grants and also requested consideration in the budget. He noted a joint effort with White Salmon and Bingen has resulted in a grant for a speed radar trailer. However, tax was not included in the grant so each city will have to pay $200. This trailer will be beneficial for education and enforcement. A public press release is pending. In 2005 a Domestic Violence grant resulting in investigative equipment for both Klickitat Valley Hospital and Skyline Hospital. He reported police calls are up 12% from last year. There have been no citizen complaints, but great community support. The arrest rate has brought concern for longer sentenced jail time which brings a stretch on the budget. COUNCIL BUSINESS: (Interim Police Chief) Consultant Contract Mayor Sigfrinius suggest to council a contract for a consultant rather than an interim police chief. He noted he has talked to the Police Department about the proposal for an interim police chief. They expressed their concern about the authority he would have, his ability to eliminate an officer and Kevin Dyment was concerned about Mr. David having the right credentials. Gary David has been a Police Chief 3 times but not in the State of Washington. He will be considered for a position as a consultant and leave Rick McComas as acting Chief. Mayor Sigfrinius set out three options but said the City must consider what is right for the City. He does not want any officer laid off by hiring a consultant, the decision of Rick McComas not to take a leave of absence or the resignation of Dave Hill. However if an officer leaves, that position will not be filled. He said he has met with the Police Department and listened to their concerns. Also their desire to have Rick McComas appointed Police Chief and elevate Reggie Bartkowski to Assistant Chief. The department states it has high morale and wants to continue under Rick McComas. Mayor Sigfrinius feels an independent evaluation of the department would be in the best interest of the City. He stated every other department has evaluations as well as the over all city with Community Action Plans, Comprehensive Water Plans, Department of Ecology reviews, etc. The hiring of the consultant would lead to selection of a police chief. Mayor Sigfrinius invited public comment at this time. Reggie Bartkowski, Police Sergeant, told the council that Rick McComas is doing an exceptional job, the morale of the officers is high and the department is the best it has been in 6 years. The community is supportive of the department. He is concerned that if Rick is not given the position of Police Chief at this time he will run for Sheriff and be lost to the City. He also believes having a consultant on board for 4 months is to long. Rick McComas said the filing for the Sheriff’s election is open in July. Also he will need to spend many months talking to citizens if he is running for election. He has spent 7-9 years as an assistant police chief. Reggie said if a decision is not made soon the City will lose officers, they need the opportunity for advancement and it is a huge mistake not to give officers this opportunity for advancement. Jay Hunziker, Narcotic officer, said he would concur with Sgt. Bartkowski. He has worked with Rick in the Sheriff’s Office as well as the Police Department. He is a “hell of a leader and he would trust no other”. The department needs to feel the opportunity for advancement as it means a lot. Currently they have a “hell of a team” and work is getting done. Kevin Dyment, Police Officer, 411 McKinley, Centerville, has been with the department for 18 ½ year. He has worked with past chiefs and been through good times and difficult times. He wants to see Rick hired as Police Chief and the evaluation done immediately. He believes a consultant would be a great idea. However Rick can’t wait to make a decision and the City could lose him to the Sheriff’s Office. Everyone knew that Rick ran the Sheriff’s Office when Gleason was Sheriff. Chief Hampshire was brought in from out of the area and had to learn the ways of Goldendale. The City of Goldendale has a unique situation in how the law is applied. The City does not need to spend the money on an evaluation, it needs to begin the Police Chief selection immediately. The officers and staff of the department are the best, the work is appreciated, the bottom line is there is confidence, a knowledge of how the law is applied and the duties of the office. Mike Smith spoke on behalf of the department and believes he is close to the others. This is a new police department and Rick has made it grow. The best service would be to keep Rick as Police Chief. He has provided great leadership. Ron Lightfoot, 627 E. Broadway, has known Rick for 25-30 years and he is an honorable man. He asked how the City can justify a consultant. He states there have been lay offs of a Public Works employee already. Mayor Sigfrinius replied only one employee has left the public works department. Joyce McKay, 712 Cedar Valley Road, expressed her support for Rick. She said she has needed an officer twice and each time he came. The officers are proud of their department and it would be best to keep Rick. Toni Reita has be in Goldendale 10 years, but has lived in a lot of communities. What would 4 months of a consultant prove. There is mass support for Rick as Police Chief. Mayor Sigfrinius said the purpose would be update the policy and procedures of the department, hold a public meeting and have input on the expectations of the community. He reiterated there has not been any evaluation in 10 years. He wants to start selection of the member of the board for the Police Chief Selection Board. Irma Chambers asked if the state is pushing for a consultant. She said she supports Rick. Goldendale is unpredictable so why not save the money. She is not for change. Dwight Ellis asked why plan one of the three plans, why not pick option 2 or 3 being start a selection committee, take application and leave the Rick as acting chief or three appoint Rick as Police Chief and elevate Reggie to acting assistant Chief? He believes Rick should be chosen, he is highly trained, familiar with the type of work and Rick is experienced. Mayor Sigfrinius commented the evaluation of the department is part of the process for selecting a new chief. Greg Thornton, 485 Orchard Heights, former police chief, said the Mayor and council needs to listen to the community. Everyone in the paper and on the radio want Rick McComas. The last consultant got Ehman Sheldon and that cost lots of dollars and Mr. Sheldon hired Dave Hill. Wake up and do what the people want, they want Rick McComas. He believes the City plans to hire Dave Hill back even though he has been suspended, taken a leave of absence or whatever. He believes the Mayor is a damn liar and needs to be recalled. Diane Thornton, 485 Orchard Heights, the City paid the ex-police chief 3 months to say good-by, now the council wants to spend $20,000 on a consultant. Why not use the money to give the officers a raise. Linda Story, 307 Clyde Story, claimed she is active in trying to do the right thing. She represents what the people want as she is their spokesperson. She has 787 signature on a recall petition to do the right thing. The Mayor has mishandled the taxpayer dollars and gave them to Dave Hill. She had 213 of the 247 needed on her petition for recall, but the auditor told her she had mishandled the process and had to start over. She wants what is best for Goldendale, the people want Rick, so do the right thing. This is not for her son, but for the people, her grandchildren, shoppers in the community. This is a retirement community. The city needs to do what is best for the people and listen to the people. She will gladly bring the petition signatures to the city. Do what the people want. Goldendale people law says do what people want. She said she begs the council to do the right thing. Dominic Mutch, 1175 Williamson Road, stated he was pleased to hear there would not be any lay offs, as he is the last one hired and the first to go, and his wife is expecting their first baby. This is a big issue to him. He asked for clarification of the three options, then he proposed a fourth option of hiring the consultant in next years budget. Ray Mosbrucker He has know Rick and respects him. He believes he would be a fine chief. As a business man and elected official he knows the need to do what is best for the people and the need to listen to the people. He would endorse Rick for police chief. Rick McComas expressed this appreciation for the support and wanted to say (1) how a consultant would evaluate now would be unfair to a new police chief. The new chief should be part of the process. (2) He is concerned about the expense and the fiscal impact to the budget. He believes WASP has a program that has the same program. Mayor Sigfrinius responded he had checked into this program and the cost was the same but he felt this was a better option. Rick again expressed his concern on the fiscal impact to the budget and the potential to lose officers. He said there is some aggressive events planned for the summer and it takes money to support them with police officers. Councilmember Cuff commented that he did not understand how less than 3 months ago the police department according to the Chief Hill and the Mayor could do no wrong. There was never any word about problems from anybody and suddenly 60 days ago everything went down hill. Now we need to hire a consultant to review what we already know and to review ordinances which have been in the process for a long time. There seems to be lots of concern from the people and many are not voting members of the city. However, Goldendale is a small town and we need to listen to some of the input from the surrounding area. They have no right to vote on recall or election. He is concerned about the financial impact and the City is digging a bigger hole each year. He recommended placing Rick as chief and digging for the consultant next year. He doesn’t want to dump money down a drain for no reason. Councilmember Johnston observed there is obvious support for Rick. he is aware of his capacity, skills and talents and it would be a wise choice to select him as police chief, by passing the consultant and give one year to get on a common ground. There are rough edges in the Department but put Rick in now, then if necessary in one year consider the consultant. He doesn’t know if the city has the funds now and it would be better spent in other places. Councilmember Dixon has been a reserve police officer that served under Rick for 6 of 10 years and he backs him 100%. He believes the council should go with Rick and get a consultant to avoid problems. A consultant would identify problems and prevent future problems. We would like to start with the second option at this time. Councilmember Abbott has no issue with the acting police chief but wants a consultant so the city will not be blind sighted again. He doesn’t want to have no problems then big problems again, so bring in the consultant. Councilmember Montanye believes the City needs the consultant and it will be money well spent. The City has been having problems for years and a consultant is a good idea. Councilmember Eaton stated she is for the consultant. She might be the new kid on the block but if there are problems why didn’t someone come forward sooner. Officer Mike Smith replied they were not allowed to talk to anyone. He was told there is a chain of command and the Mayor would believe the police chief over an officer. This is the only time they have been allowed to speak out. Councilmember Hoctor expressed understanding for Officer Mutch’s concern. He said his understanding of the options was leaving Captain McComas as acting police chief until end of year with Sgt Bartowiski to assist or option #3. Greg Thornton said when he was chief, selection was by civil service testing, but he was diagnosed with leukemia, sent to the hospital and Mr. Sheldon revised the ordinance so the police chief was not selected by civil service testing. Rick needs to be certified now then have access to his own department. Mayor Sigfrinius summarized the three options as: 1. hire a consultant 2. set up a police chief selection committee with three councilmembers and four citizens 3. appoint Rick as police chief with a $350 month increase, put in an acting assistant police chief or leave vacant, then accept this position as the budget allows or appoint the assistant police chief at this time with a $650 raise. He asked for a vote on the agenda item to hire a consultant. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CUFF, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSTON TO PROCEED WITH OPTION THREE, BUDGET FOR A CONSULTANT NEXT YEAR AND EXCLUDE THE END OF THE YEAR LIMIT FROM ANY APPOINTMENT OF RICK MCCOMAS AS ACTING POLICE CHIEF UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR. The motion was amended and MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CUFF, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSTON TO MAKE RICK MCCOMAS CHIEF, ELEVATE FROM WITH IN, OPEN THE ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF POSITION, ATTEMPT TO HIRE A CONSULTANT AT NEXT BUDGET YEAR OR REVIEW IF NECESSARY. Mr. Bellamy told the council the Mayor is responsible for appoint of the police chief or the mayor could appoint Rick McComas as acting police chief through end of year, including raise in salary, elevate the sergeant to acting assistant police chief with increased salary or just continue with Rick McComas as acting chief with salary increase during the process. Councilmember Cuff stated the Mayor does make the appointment but it must be confirmed by the council. No matter what the motion it doesn’t mean it is a done thing. Mr. Bellamy said he was only pointing out the issues. Councilmember Hoctor asked that Councilmember Cuff withdraw his motion and make a motion on the consultant proposal which was on the agenda and then give direction. Councilmember Cuff stated he did not want to withdraw his motion. He recommended that the Mayor appoint Rick McComas as police chief. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER CUFF, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSTON TO AMEND HIS MOTION TO EXTEND THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CURRENT ACTING CHIEF THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR ALONG WITH AN ADDITIONAL SALARY INCREASE, OVER AND ABOVE THE EXISTING INCREASE OF ABOUT $350/MONTH. AND LEAVE THE ASSISTANT POLICE CHIEF OPEN. Rick McComas expressed concern that the Sergeant was being asked to do the job of 2 people and not receiving the compensation of the assistant police chief so there would be over time issues. Councilmember Cuff feels this would only be treating the situation as if Chief Hill was out for an illness in which case Rick would have taken over his duties. Rick said he would bring back budget implications to the next meeting. MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBERS ABBOTT, JOHNSTON, DIXON, CUFF, MONTANYE, EATON VOTING AYE, COUNCILMEMBER HOCTOR VOTED NO. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ABBOTT, SECONDED BY HOCTOR TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF GARY DAVID AS A CONSULTANT AND BEGIN THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS, UTILIZING AN APPOINTED COMMITTEE, MADE UP OF THREE COUNCIL PERSONS AND 4 MEMBERS FROM OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY. MOTION CARRIED WITH COUNCILMEMBERS HOCTOR, EATON, MONTANYE AND ABBOTT VOTING AYE, COUNCILMEMBERS CUFF, DIXON AND JOHNSTON VOTED NO. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSTON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIXON TO EXTEND RICK MCCOMAS AS ACTING POLICE CHIEF TO END OF YEAR, THE CURRENT SERGEANT POSITION TO ASSISTANT LIEUTENANT AT END OF YEAR, WHEN IT IS FISCAL RESPONSIBLE AND REVIST THE HIRING OF A CONSULTANT. It was pointed out this had already been voted on and was against the process. COUNCILMEMBER ABBOTT said the decision has been made to get the process started, starting of the process will be now and a priority as this could be a career decision. Rick said he wants to be Police Chief. Councilmember Johnston asked about rewording the motion and decided to withdraw it. Councilmember Dixon withdrew his second. Rick stated he regrets as acting chief he has had very little time to consider goals and department goals. He is committed to the City and wants to serve. However it has been his direction and aspiration to be sheriff for a long time, but with the chief leaving that has changed and he wants to be considered for chief. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSTON TO MAKE THE CURRENT APPOINTMENT OF RICK MCCOMAS AS POLICE CHIEF PERMANT. Councilmember Cuff reminded Councilmember Johnston that only the Mayor can appoint a police chief. Councilmember Johnston withdrew his motion. RESOLUTIONS: Adoption of Building Inspector Job Description Mr. Bellamy informed council he has received the written confirmation of Isaac Carmickle retiring on May 31, 2006. That our insurance company has recommended that all job description be put in a uniform form and now is time to redo this job description before advertising. Following a short break, MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSTON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIXON TO EXTEND THE MEETING BEYOND 9:00 PM. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Mr. Bellamy noted some changes Mr. Carmickle had suggested when he had reviewed the document which should be considered. This job description needs to be adopted so we can start the advertisement period. Councilmember Cuff wanted the hazardous sidewalks left in so we have authority to deal with sand on sidewalks and sign boards. Councilmember Hoctor felt that items in the right of way should remain with the public works. Councilmember Cuff hates to see the public works department handle these small issues. There was a discussion on the wording of several paragraphs. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER HOCTOR, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIXON TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 493 ADOPTING A NEW PERSONNEL JOB DESCRIPTIN FOR BUILDING INSPECTOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER FOR CITY OF GOLDENDALE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ORDINANCES: Tuttle Annexation Councilmember Montanye wants a requirement for sewer. Councilmember Hoctor believes the roads need to be addressed. Mr. Bellamy noted S. Roosevelt was built to county standards. He will bring more information on the water/sewer issued to the next council meeting after consulting with the City Attorney. Councilmember Cuff expressed a concern about any septic systems being installed. Mr. Bellamy understands the concerns of including the roadway in the annexation and improving to city standards, whether septic or sewer systems Ron Carlyle said the development comes down to economic feasibility. He suggested larger lots to stay with septic or a higher density to spread the costs of a sewer system. They are only wanting to annex at this time and will handle the other issues in a sub-division application. Mr. Bellamy said he will look into adding the roadway or doing a separate annexation and he will have the public works director look at the issue. Councilmember Hoctor said the issue needs to be addressed. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER ABBOTT, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIXON TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED TUTTLE PROPERTY ANNEXATION ORDINANCE FOR ITS FIRST READING. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 1st Quarter Budget Amendment Mr. Bellamy reported the budget committee reviewed the recommendations and recommended it for its first reading. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER HOCTOR, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER ABBOTT TO ADOPT THE PROPOSED 1ST QUARTER BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR ITS FIRST READING. Councilmember Johnston inquired about the $450,000 interfund loan. Mr. Bellamy replied this was the grant repayment requests that did not come in by the end of the year and were now available for repayment. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Fire Department Ordinance Mr. Bellamy said he had made the changes requested by the council and had checked with the fire chief for his approval. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSTON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIXON TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 1347 REPEALING GOLDENDALE MUNICIPAL CODE 2.36 VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND ESTABLISHING A NEW GOLDENDALE MUNICIPAL CODE 2.36. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. MAYOR’S REPORT Mayor Sigfrinius announced receipt of the recent Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the East Side Water Main Project in the sum of approximately $550,000. This will be a 2007 construction project and covers about 75% of the costs. The remaining 25% will be sought from Rural Development of which a portion will be a loan. Councilmember Cuff expressed a concern about not having money to replace the blacktop on the entire street, but rather only the cut areas. Mr. Bellamy said this will take care of a lot of leaks and replace most of the old steel pipes. COUNCILMEMBER REPORTS: Councilmember Johnston had a personal concern about a street light on Whitney Court that does not have a hood to prevent light escaping upwards and affecting the Observatory. CITY ADMINISTRATOR REPORT: Mr. Bellamy reported the contractor is back in town to finish the work on South Columbus and to do the clean up work on East Collins. He also requested a meeting of the ordinance committee for March 27, 2006 at 6:30 PM Councilmember Dixon inquired about the cut on S. Columbus Street. He was advised that Councilmember Johnston had sold some property and this was the only way to split the water meters. Public works had tried several other avenues prior to making the cut. PUBLIC COMMENT: Greg Thornton stated that he had heard the motions about the police chief and wanted to remind council that everything below police chief was civil service and required testing. He also said you can’t discriminate in changing wages. He reiterated when promoting from within there is a competitive exam. He ask if the civil service had to certify the payroll. ADJOURNMENT MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER JOHNSTON, SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIXON TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. MOTION CARRIED UNAIMOUSLY. _____________________________ Mark Sigfrinius Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________ Tracy Hansen Clerk-Treasurer